Panufnik: The Merton Service
Expected to ship in about a week.
Minimum Order Qty: 10
- Composer: Roxanna Panufnik (1968-)
- Instrumentation: Organ, SATB Choir
- Work: The Merton Service
- Work Language: English
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches
Description
Commissioned by Merton College, Oxford, and sponsored by Nigel Hamway.
I was thrilled to be commissioned again by Merton College Choir, so soon after my anthem Nocturn for them -- however, having already set the Canticles twice, I panicked a little about whether I could do something completely different with the same words. So, I sent a survey to the choir members, whom I had met on several happy occasions, as I knew that they would come up with some great ideas. and they did! I have tried to incorporate as many of their requests (in bold below) as I could and am so grateful for the musical ideas they inspired.
Starting with a request for story-telling, the Magnificat ('oscillating between uncertainty and excitement'), in D-flat Major, begins hesitantly with a sense of unease, as the Virgin Mary grapples with the momentous news that she is to bear God's son. The mood swings between scared and excited through melisma and expression in rich and crunchy harmonies (trying to incorporate the latter without sounding too louche for this reverential moment), soprano suspensions with altos and swaying gently in 12/8.The mood becomes more assertive at 'He hath showed strength...' and then ecstatic for the 'Glory be...'.
The Nunc Dimittis in G-flat Major, begins in a more 'tranquil' reflective mood as Simeon welcomes a peaceful end now he has seen the salvation of the infant Jesus's arrival into the world. These two people are represented by frequent duets between sopranos and basses, with Simeon's bass frequently coming out over the choir. It doesn't stay that way for long, though, as it becomes something you can really sing your heart out with a good build up from quiet to loud, more melisma and ornamentation enhancing the emotional atmosphere. Having been in 4/4, we return to an 'even more ecstatic' 12/8 'Glory be' from the Magnificat.
I'm hoping that I have also fulfilled a request for the bewitching and sublime -- but only you and these wonderful performers can tell! The Magnificat is five minutes and the Nunc Dimittis three minutes.
I'm hugely grateful to Ben Nicholas and Merton College Choir for commissioning me and to Nigel Hamway for supporting the commission.
Roxanna Panufnik, 16 July 2025
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Panufnik: The Merton Service
